Hoping somebody can help identify these knives

[dennistravers43]

Hoping somebody can help identify these knives I picked up at auction in Reno, NV. US. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!




I can post more if needed

[AG2012]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum,
The marks are:
Duty mark (Queen Victoria profile) used 1838- 1890.
Maker`s mark ``RS`` with pellet, difficult to identify because there is no assay office mark.
Britannia standard (95.84% of fine silver)
Take a look here
http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html
Regards

[SteveDWollongong]

Hi Dennis,

I would like to offer a slightly different opinion. I suggest the handles are sterling silver (925) and the worn mark AG2012 thinks to be Britannia, is Hibernia, meaning the knife is Dublin assayed. On investigation, the makers mark looks to be a match for Robert W Smith registered in Dublin with examples of his work seen between 1832 and 1851 which would work in nicely.

Have a look at his mark and see what you think:

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Make ... MS.html#RS

Cheers,
Steve

[AG2012]

Hi,
It was strange to me Britannia standard was used in this particular case, but then I thought there should be ``lion passant``.
I am really not familiar with Irish silver. Was it normal to omit ``lion passant`` ?
Regards

[SteveDWollongong]

Irish silver didn't use the lion passant. The crowned harp is the Dublin assay mark along with the Hibernia as a duty mark, so they are seen together. I can see what I think is the remnants of another mark to the right of the Hibernia and assume it is the very rubbed crowned harp.

[dennistravers43]

AG and Steve - thank you so much for your help and responses. I really appreciate it!! This is great information and I will see how much more I can get using your input. Thanks again!
Dennis

[dennistravers43]

Based on further review of these, I really think that they are indeed Robert W. Smith.

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

Thank you!
Dennis

[dennistravers43]

Sorry Admin. Won't happen again.
Dennis